Has anyone noticed the screen on the new iPhone 16 pro max scratchign easily? Had mine for 1 full day and already has a semi deep scratch and another scratch on it.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18
DeloGs wrote:
I believe most of us, including myself, have already reported this issue to Apple. Posting here is meant to highlight the problem and inform other users about the decline in quality with the new phone, potentially saving trouble for those considering a purchase.
I also appreciate your efforts in recommending screen protectors. However, Joseph Corl’s comment about the leather analogy was spot on—I’ve never heard of a furniture manufacturer suggesting that customers wrap their furniture in plastic after purchase.
Expecting such measures for a flagship iPhone product is simply unreasonable.
The analogy still doesn't work. For one, nowhere does Apple say anyone needs to put a screen protector on their iPhone. NOWHERE. But Apple does sell and install screen protectors. Some people aren't bothered by scratches on their screens. Just like some people aren't bothered if their leather seats age, patina or get scratches. So no, seat manufacturers don't suggest you need a seat cover and Apple doesn't say you "need" a screen protector.
The iPhone 16 phones are NO MORE susceptible to scratches than previous iPhones. Every year for as many years as I can remember, there have been equally lengthy threads of people upset because their phones screen is scratching. iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 and now 16 in particular, because that's when Apple went with the new glass formula, which they call Ceramic Shield (an unfortunate name in my opinion). Ceramic Shield is much harder to break. But to make glass harder to break, it has to be a bit softer. And softer means it can be easier to scratch. The tradeoff of course is, screens which are harder to break, save users $Hundreds in having to have their screen replaced because it cracked in a fall. I would hope you'd agree you'd rather not have to spend hundreds of dollars replacing your screen if it broke from a drop? No one has yet found a glass formulation, which is equally harder to break and equally harder to scratch. You'd become richer beyond your wildest dreams if you did! But a very small investment in a screen protector will ensure the screen on your iPhone doesn't scratch. It's a lot easier and less expensive to replace a screen protector than it is to replace the screen.
You are more than welcome to continue to alert other users. In fact, I hope people do read these posts and help themselves by putting a good quality screen protector on their phone the moment they get a new phone. They wouldn't be here complaining if they do. But to expect that glass shouldn't be able to scratch and this is something new, is simply wrong. As already mentioned, there are many many threads on just about every iPhone model released of people claiming they never got scratches until their new phone.
I just went to the Apple Store to clarify and yes, they will not do anything for scratches even with Applecare. It needs to be damage that makes the phone inherently difficult to use. For those who have mentioned they received replacements already, I'm curious how you went about doing so.
... and no one is saying Apple should defy the laws of physics. We, as customers of Apple, are disappointed since their marketing constantly talks about how tough the glass is. Or for example in recent years commercials of toddlers throwing iPhones around with the tagline something like "relax, it's an iPhone". Pretty hard to relax when many of us have our $1000+ investment gain imperfections within hours out of the box.
I hate to add to the pile here but I too have had a bunch of spider cracking on the corner of my 16 Pro Max screen. Only have had the phone for +/- 10 days, in a good case since I got it and never dropped. My 12 Pro Max (!!!) had a spotless screen after 4+ years of heavy use. What are my options here? I love the phone, can I get another to replace the screen or do I have to go down the Applecare route?
Same !! Had scratches after a week while I barely had any with my previous ones. They are not deep, almost look like spider webs, shiny, multi directional and very superficial but still when the screen is off it’s horrible. Such a poor glass quality !!
Does sharing experiences on here even get viewed by Apple? I logged my case directly with a senior advisor to register presence. I hope everyone is doing the same bc complaining on here doesn’t get viewed by Apple correct?
"Feels Like Apple is Prioritizing Profits by Making iPhone 16 Pro Max Screens Easily Scratchable"
My company purchased the iPhone 16 Pro Max for us just three days ago, and already there are multiple scratches on the screen. I’ve had older Apple devices with no screen damage, so this quick wear is frustrating. It feels like Apple is prioritizing profits by making the screen more prone to scratches, knowing customers will have to pay $300+ for replacements. For a phone that costs over $1,000, this durability issue is unacceptable. I’m considering returning it!
screen protector may prevent the iPhone from scratching, but it does not prevent it from hairline crackers. I do have a screen protector but still have hairline crackers. I used my iPhone 11 for more than five years without a single hairline crack, but this iPhone 16 Pro Max the hairline crack appeared out of nowhere within the first month
Apple offers a 7-day complimentary AppleCare+ for iPhone in certain countries, including Australia. This coverage provides limited accidental damage protection during the first week after purchasing an iPhone, allowing users to assess the benefits of AppleCare+ before committing to a plan.
If you’re in Australia you can confirm the details on Apple’s website or with local Apple retailers.
Here’s the point of my argument: I have had iPhones for 10+ years. I haven’t always used a screen protector but I have used them in the past, I know the value of having them. I did not have a screen protector on my 15 pro max, and I did drop it a couple times and there was not one scratch. 3 weeks into my 16 pro max, I have two scratches after having dropped my phone 0 times. It’s glass, I know it scratches. This is a new phenomenon this model year for me.
I have apple care but didn’t need to use it as the deep scratch that I did nothing to cause, affected my screens response and ease of use in that area I had to move apps I used regularly because of this.
I discussed materials with two technician's and if the material is the same as the 15pro and I have to say it feels stronger/ better and considerably more responsive now it’s been replaced - maybe there are manufacturing issues with a batch which all companies even Apple (who I am a great fan of) have from time to time which becomes apparent when they have problems - it’s really improved my experience of use having the replacement screen
I heard this before I updated my phone and thought it was just an exaggeration.
But, just one day after I bought my 16 pro max I found a few deep scratches and I was really careful with it, didn’t even put it on the display.
checked my 12 pro max, and for 4 years without any protection, there’re only couple of small scratches on it.
I don’t understand how can they claim that this is the most solid glass ever.
also drop tests on YouTube shows that this is a lie
I highly suspect it’s a manufacturing defect. I had mine only less than 7 days and today a groove appeared in the upper right area of the screen right under where the WiFi & battery icon is. Upon closer examination tiny shards of glass appeared around it so I highly suspect it’s a stress fracture in that pressure point location.
Never dropped my phone nor apply anything abrasive nor sharp near it. It simply appeared after I set my phone down on my computer mat. The tiny glass was scattered around the glass like a mini explosion.
i wonder if apple will replace or repair this issue under warranty.
Sadly using IPhones since the first one, never used a screen protector and sure this is agreeing to some scratches and I do expect that and never ever complaint about it. However 16 pro scratches just by looking at it wrong. On a serious note it has deep scratches just from sliding it to my pocket that I was obviously doing to all my previous iPhones and was never an issue. Quality is dreadful. I also use MacBooks and PRO M1 Max developed a keyboard imprint on the screen after 6 months as a first one in history…
I posted the following a couple of months ago:
I have had a new iPhone 16 Pro for less than a week and the screen already has multiple scratches. My old iPhone 12 didn't have a single scratch when I traded it in. Apple needs to correct this problem asap. Not a good look for Apple quality control..
Apple continue to ignore this issue. Very disappointing and not a good sign of the state of Apple.
So, I got an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Got it on day 1. I have never used a screen protector or case. My 16 goes everywhere with me. Travels in the back pocket of my Levis with whatever else is in the pocket. Gets set screen down in my car, home, restaurants, bars etc. Bot a scratch on it. Probably, the best screen yet and I’ve had nearly every iPhone from first iPhone in 2007 to today. Worst screen I had was iPhone 14 PM, best, iPhone 16 PM. Please explain that. Doesn’t sound like a major issue to be. I’d prefer they keep doing whatever it is they’re doing now.
Had mine just over a week and there is a scratch!! Had many phones over the years with no screen protectors, including iphone 13 mini, never had a single scratch. This expensive phone is the cost of a computer, so based on the common complaints this appears to be a defect with iphone 16 and apple should address it. There should be no need to buy apple care for this. They should provide a free screen protector for all new purchases of phones that have these glass defects.
My iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen is getting scratched easily
